Pediatric Center - A-Z Index

Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan

A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan involves two nuclear scan
tests to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of the lungs.

Alternative Names

V/Q scan; Ventilation/perfusion scan; Lung ventilation/perfusion scan

How the Test is Performed

A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is actually two tests. They may be done separately or together.

During the perfusion scan, a health care provider injects radioactive albumin into your vein. You are placed on a movable table that is under the arm of a scanner. The machine scans your lungs as blood flows through them to find the location of the radioactive particles.

During the ventilation scan, you breathe in radioactive gas through a mask while you are sitting or lying on a table under the scanner arm.

How to Prepare for the Test

You do not need to stop eating (fast), eat a special diet, or take any medications before the test.

A chest x-ray
is usually done before or after a ventilation and perfusion scan.

You wear a hospital gown or comfortable clothing that does not have metal fasteners.

How the Test will Feel

The table may feel hard or cold. You may feel a sharp prick when the IV is placed in the vein in your arm for the perfusion part of the scan.

The mask used during the ventilation scan may make you feel nervous about being in a small space (claustrophobia). You must lie still during the scan.

Risks

Risks are about the same as for x-rays (radiation) and needle pricks.

No radiation is released from the scanner. Instead, it detects radiation and converts it into an image.

There is a small exposure to radiation from the radioisotope. The radioisotopes used during scans are short-lived. All of the radiation leaves the body in a few days. However, as with any radiation exposure, caution is advised for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

There is a slight risk for infection or bleeding at the site where the needle is inserted. The risk with perfusion scan is the same as with inserting an intravenous
needle for any other purpose.

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